“On Alert” System | A test will take place on Wednesday everywhere in Canada, except in Quebec

(Ottawa) The Canadian public alert system, “En Alerte”, will be tested for a second time this year across the country on Wednesday, except in Quebec.

In most provinces and territories, the test message will be sent as a cell phone notification early in the afternoon. Television and radio broadcasts will also be interrupted to broadcast the message.

However, it will be clearly stated that this is a test and that no emergency situation is in effect.

The “On Alert” system is used when an emergency situation must be communicated to the population as a priority. This could be an Amber Alert, the presence of an active shooter, or the imminent arrival of a dangerous weather system, for example.

Since the start of the year, “On Alert” has been used to send more than 845 alert messages across the country. Saskatchewan is the province that has used it the most, particularly to warn its residents of an approaching tornado.

In Quebec, in 2024, “En Alerte” was used 49 times, including 41 messages related to tornadoes, five Amber alerts, two civil crises and one Silver alert.

Two tests are usually carried out each year: one in the spring and the other in the fall. The tests validate the effectiveness and reliability of the system, but also increase public awareness of alerts.

Canadians who encounter problems with the system or who would like to provide comments will be invited to do so after the test by completing a survey available on the site alert.ca.